I wanted a cheap, quick and easily parkable form of transportation, so I bought a 2003 Aprilia Scarabeo 50cc last weekend.

I’ve been looking to buy a used one for quite some time now, but they are very hard to come by. I was ONLY interested in buying the Scarabeo because:

I wanted a big wheel scooter for more stability.

I wanted something quick enough to handle traffic, yet not fast enough to get me into much trouble.

Gas mileage. This is the only 50cc scooter in the world that gets 122 MPG.

1.9 gallon tank x 122 MPG = 230 miles for every $5 of gas.

I can park anywhere. 2-foot wide parking spaces.

I can use sidewalks or small spaces to avoid stand-still traffic.

After some negotiating I got the scooter + tax + title for exactly $2,000 out the door. If I bought the same scooter out the door brand new, it would have been about $3,600.

Just like a car, the real cost of ownership is much higher. However, gas, maintenance and insurance are extremely cheap for the scooter unlike a car. The larger costs came in the form of safety equipment. In the end, this is what I spent:

$2,000 – Scooter out the door

$50 – Matching helmet found on Craigslist

$55 – Battery trickle charger

$13 – Chain lock

$40 – Motorcycle gloves from Craigslist

Commuting to campus or around Downtown during rush hour is a cinch now. I am doing everything I can to be safe and always take low-traffic roads to avoid cars. Small trips are much quicker since there is no concern about parking and they are definitely much more fun!

About Neville

NevBlog.com - Tracking the road to financial success from the age of 22 (now 27).